Is It Time for Canada to Mandate Seat Belts on School Buses?

It was recently reported in the news that three teenagers and an adult had been significantly injured when the driver of a school bus lost control while trying to pass another vehicle in icy conditions on a rural Manitoba highway, causing it to rollover several times. This news story has sparked the discussion of school bus safety nationwide.

The question of whether restraints could help prevent injuries and deaths arising from a school bus accident was investigated by CBC’s The Fifth Estate in 2018. At that time, it was found that thousands of injuries and numerous deaths could have been prevented across Canada and the United States in the past three decades had school buses been equipped with seat belts. At the very least, seat belts prevent ejection should a rollover occur, which is exactly what transpired recently in Manitoba.

The following year, Transport Canada issued a recognition that seat belts on school buses can offer added protection for school-age children if used and installed properly, setting out the responsibilities of school bus operators, provinces, and territories.

In recent years, two communities in Ontario and two communities in British Columbia have introduced seat belts on school buses as part of a joint study by the provincial governments called, “Strengthening School Bus Safety in Canada 2025.” The pilot has proven to be instructive and, so far, successful, with findings indicating that the use of seat belts was generally accepted and achievable by most children regardless of age and size.

Although finding the resources to add seat belts to bus fleets remains an obstacle, the hope is that studies such as these will help direct resources to protecting students so that these news events involving significant injuries could be avoided altogether.

If you or someone you know has been in a motor vehicle accident contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is here to support you.